Mental health matters every day — not just when things feel overwhelming.
Mental health is closely connected to wellbeing and study success. Factors that contribute to wellbeing such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise and social connection can enhance brain function, concentration and our general ability to study effectively. Additionally, they have a profound impact on stress, anxiety and mental health. Neglecting any aspect of wellbeing can impact on all the others and on your capacity to learn.
It is natural to experience anxieties as a student. While some stresses, pressures and disappointments are to be expected, it is possible to manage these so that they don’t overwhelm us. We can reduce the likelihood of excess anxiety if we deal with difficulties at an early stage. Ignoring them won’t make them go away and makes them more complicated to resolve later.
It is easier to manage anxieties if we acknowledge what we are feeling, sort out what is really worrying us the most, and recognise that we are not alone in such feelings. Sharing concerns can help.
If you are struggling, your university’s wellbeing services are there to help.
Small steps you can try today:
You don’t have to do everything. Even one small action can make a difference.
Taking care of your general wellbeing is important to dealing with anxiety and for effective study. Factors such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise and socialising all contribute to mental health. Recognising this can help manage how you feel.
Being considerate of your needs and feelings doesn’t have to impede your ambitions and can even help you to succeed. Give yourself time. Believe in yourself. Help and support are available because students need them. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that you need a helping hand sometimes.
Isolation and loneliness can affect wellbeing as well as study success. Most students are anxious about some aspect of their study or life, or are lonely, homesick or feel left out. It helps to share concerns. Make time to talk to students outside class. Once you form bonds with others, you will gain confidence and a sense of belonging.
